282 REMAINS OF A SUPPOSED PILE-DWELLING.
required to light a fire in the centre of the bed of an artificial
pool, or, even if he did so, why he should burn in' it a large
quantity of flints and other stones. Moreover, the fact that the
undisturbed sandy clay on which the deposit rests shows no
sign of the action of fire is strong evidence that the burning did
not take place in situ ; while the extent of the deposit (even if no
greater than is now visible) is also against the idea that it is
merely an ancient domestic hearth.
The only suggestion I am able to offer in explanation of the
presence of the deposit is that, over the spot where we find it
(that is to say, about the centre of the pool), there was once a
pile-dwelling which, through some misfortune, was destroyed by
fire, and that, as it burned, the flints and other stones which
formed the floor fell to the bottom of the pool, together with the
ashes and other remains of the dwelling. The spot is just such
a one as would be chosen as a dwelling place by Early Man, for
it is well concealed, and in former days the surrounding country
was even more densely wooded (as the name of the parish
implies) than it is now.
The theory I advance, though admittedly in need of further
support, is plausible at the least, and may serve till a better is
forthcoming, Since I first discovered the deposit, I have visited
it in company with Mr. Mothersole, of Chelmsford, who had no
better suggestion to make. The only means of putting the
theory to the test, and of ascertaining definitely the origin and
extent of the deposit is, of course, to excavate its site by means
of the spade. If this were done, fragments of pottery or other
objects of human handiwork, sufficient to afford evidence as to
its date and origin, would probably be brought to light. It
seems very desirable that such investigation should be made.
Who will undertake it ?